Hosta fortunei 'Sprengeri' of gardens (Plantain Lily) — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta fortunei 'Sprengeri' of gardens is a clump-forming, mounded perennial in the genus Hosta, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous; broad, ribbed or puckered, often variegated or glaucous foliage. Hosta fortunei 'Sprengeri' of gardens grows best in partial to full shade; blue-leaved kinds hold their colour best out of sun, and tolerates fertile loam enriched with organic matter soils and neutral to slightly acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7.

About

Hosta fortunei 'Sprengeri' of gardens is a clump-forming, mounded perennial in the genus Hosta, valued for broad, ribbed or puckered leaves that are often variegated or glaucous. It has deciduous foliage and produces flowers from June to August. Suited to partial to full shade, it favours a north- or east-facing, sheltered position. Plant in fertile loam kept reliably moist but never waterlogged.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hosta sieboldiana

About the genus

Hosta is a genus of plants commonly known as hostas, plantain lilies and occasionally by the Japanese name gibōshi. Hostas are widely cultivated as shade-tolerant foliage plants. The genus is placed in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae, and is native to northeast Asia.

Wikipedia contributors, "Hosta", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hosta

In the garden

Hosta fortunei 'Sprengeri' of gardens is a clump-forming, mounded perennial in the family Asparagaceae with broad, ribbed or puckered leaves that are frequently variegated or glaucous. It flowers from June to August and dies back to the crown for winter, regrowing the following season. Place this Hosta in partial to full shade on a north- or east-facing aspect; blue-tinted leaves hold their colour best out of stronger sun. It prefers fertile loam enriched with plenty of organic matter, a neutral to slightly acidic pH, and conditions that remain reliably moist without becoming waterlogged. Choose a sheltered spot to reduce leaf scorch and desiccation on exposed sites. Hardiness is H7, meaning it is fully hardy in the UK and will tolerate the colder British winters (USDA zones 3–9). Use it in shaded borders, beneath deciduous shrubs or small trees, in woodland-edge plantings or beside shady paths where the mounded habit and textured leaves can be appreciated at close range. Foliage dies back in winter, leaving the neat mound of crowns to re-sprout in spring.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Hosta

Sunlight: Partial to full shade; blue-leaved kinds hold their colour best out of sun
Soil type: Fertile loam enriched with organic matter
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acid
Soil moisture: Reliably moist but never waterlogged
Aspect: North or east facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Hosta fortunei 'Sprengeri' of gardens size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, mounded
Foliage: Deciduous; broad, ribbed or puckered, often variegated or glaucous

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta fortunei 'Sprengeri' of gardens

Cultivation: Give a cool root run, generous leaf mould and consistent moisture — drought is what produces thin, scorched leaves. Growing in containers makes slug control far easier, and a top-dressing of grit or a copper band around the pot helps further.
Pruning: No pruning needed. Remove flower scapes once faded if seed is not wanted, and clear collapsed foliage in late autumn to take away slug shelter.
Propagation: Divide crowns in early spring as the shoots emerge, cutting between the buds with a sharp knife. Division is the only way to keep a named cultivar true.
Pest resistance: Highly attractive to slugs and snails, which is the one real limiting factor; vine weevil can be serious in containers.
Disease resistance: Generally healthy. Hosta virus X is the notable exception — affected plants should be destroyed rather than divided.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Hosta fortunei 'Sprengeri' of gardens?

Give a cool root run, generous leaf mould and consistent moisture — drought is what produces thin, scorched leaves. Growing in containers makes slug control far easier, and a top-dressing of grit or a copper band around the pot helps further.

Where is the best place to plant Hosta fortunei 'Sprengeri' of gardens?

Hosta fortunei 'Sprengeri' of gardens prefers partial to full shade; blue-leaved kinds hold their colour best out of sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Hosta fortunei 'Sprengeri' of gardens need?

Hosta fortunei 'Sprengeri' of gardens grows best in fertile loam enriched with organic matter soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acid soil. Aim for soil that stays reliably moist but never waterlogged.

How do I prune Hosta fortunei 'Sprengeri' of gardens?

No pruning needed. Remove flower scapes once faded if seed is not wanted, and clear collapsed foliage in late autumn to take away slug shelter.

Is Hosta fortunei 'Sprengeri' of gardens hardy in the UK?

Hosta fortunei 'Sprengeri' of gardens has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Hosta fortunei 'Sprengeri' of gardens?

Divide crowns in early spring as the shoots emerge, cutting between the buds with a sharp knife. Division is the only way to keep a named cultivar true.

More in the Hosta genus

Browse all Hosta →